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Federal workplace safety officials say that Adidas America Inc. – maker of one of the world’s best-selling sneakers – faces almost $400,000 in penalties for allegedly continuing to ignore federal workplace safety standards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintains that after receiving citations requiring it to correct existing fall hazards at its Chester, New York warehouse, and paying $17,403 in penalties, Adidas America Inc. could be subject to an additional $396,377 in penalties for ignoring workplace safety standards for employees working atop a mezzanine.

OSHA said it conducted a January 2024 follow-up inspection at the facility after Adidas failed to submit required proof that it had installed required guardrails or equivalent protection for employees accessing and working atop a mezzanine, and made certain a ladder used to access the mezzanine extended at least three feet above the landing.

OSHA in March 2022 after its original 2021 inspection found the absence of guardrails and an unsafe ladder exposed Adidas employees to falls of up to 10 feet to the floor below. Inspectors to find the company had not corrected its violations.

“When employers agree to correct a hazard, they must follow through and prove to OSHA that the hazards were addressed,” said OSHA Area Director Rita Young in Albany, New York.

Adidas America Inc. has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings before the independent OSHA review commission.

Adidas America Inc. is a subsidiary of Adidas AG, an athletic apparel and footwear corporation headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany.

Topics Workers' Compensation New York